The U.S. SUBMARINE WAR
  in the PACIFIC  1941 - 1945

The Royal Court of King Neptune and
The "Ancient Order of the Deep"
Pollywogs to Shellbacks
The US Navy Crosses the Equator

Handed down over the years, a sailor's induction into the Ancient order of the Deep is a time honored rite of passage, steeped in tradition and marked by pomp and ceremony. One of the naval traditions experienced during a sailor's life is his first time crossing the equator, when he becomes a member of the 'Royal Order of Shellbacks'. Having been prepared by 'Davey Jones' the evening before, the 'POLLYWOGS' on board (those who are crossing for the first time) are brought before the court and commanded to endure the ordeal of passage into this most honored society . . . one of which is to attend a completely non-toxic, but thoroughly unappealing breakfast. Another is "Walking the Plank", as seen in these photos below.

	The "Ancient Order of the Deep"

Photos courtesy of PHM2Cl Ray Hayden Sr

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RESOURCE NOTES: United States Submarine Operations in World War II By Theodore Roscoe United States Naval Institute George Banta Company Inc Copyright 1949 Silent Victory: The U.S. Submarine War Against Japan By Clay Blair J.B. Lippincott Company Copyright 1975 Subs Against the Rising Sun: U.S. Submarines in the Pacific By Keith H. Milton Yucca Free Press Copyright 2000   U. S. Submarines in World War II: An Illustrated History of the Pacific By Larry Kimmett & Margaret Regis Navigator Publishing Copyright 191996